Fabric processing is evolving, with textile auxiliaries at the heart of this transformation. These versatile chemicals improve fabric properties, enhance production efficiency, ensure colour integrity, and boost durability.
This blog highlights seven key groups of auxiliaries that are remodelling the fabric treatment scenario, making processes more streamlined and capable of delivering top-notch performance in the modern apparel treatment landscape.
1. Pre-Treatment Textile Agents
Wetting Agents – Compounds like Sodium-Lauryl-Sulphate(SLS) & Nonylphenol Ethoxylate(NPE) Enhance the efficiency of desizing, scouring, and bleaching in textile processing.
Sequestering Agents – Usually, potent chelating compounds or acidic reagents bind with metal ions, forming complexes with them and removing them from the system so that they do not interfere with the finishing process.
2. Dyeing Textile Auxiliaries
Anti-foaming Agents – Such reagents, like silicone emulsions, effectively reduce or eliminate unwanted foams in dye baths during printing, creating a smoother and more efficient operation.
Fixing Agents – Tannin-based fixatives enhance the wash and light fastness of direct or reactive dyes, ensuring long-lasting colours.
Lubricating Agents – Agents like Polyethylene Glycol(PEG) are used to minimise friction between fibres and machinery, reducing damage during fabric dyeing.
3. Printing Auxiliary Chemicals
Foam Control Additives – Poly-Di-Methyl-Siloxane(PDMS) is widely used in printing pastes due to its role in smooth application and uniform design transfer by preventing foam from developing over the fabric.
Print Fastness Enhancers – Chemicals like Polyamines are added during textile printing to improve the fixation of pigments and increase the durability and resistance of fabrics to washing and abrasion.
4. Finishing Agent Chemicals
Softening Agents – Silicone Emulsions work as premium softeners for finishing, imparting a silky feel while enhancing flexibility and drape.
Anti-Static Agents – Compounds that reduce static electricity build-up, especially in synthetic fibres, like Quaternary Ammonium Compounds, smoothen fabric handling and wearability.
Odour Control Agents – Known for their ability to neutralise odours by trapping the impacting molecules, Zinc Ricinoleate etc are commonly used in activewear and home textiles, leaving them with a fresh smell.
5. Functional Finishing Agents
Anti-Microbial Agents – Silver Nanoparticles are widely used for their broad-spectrum germicidal properties, preventing bacterial/fungal growth on textiles.
Shrinkage Control Agents – Sometimes, additives like Polyurethane Resins are applied to fabrics to stabilise microfibres and prevent shrinkage during washing and drying cycles, increasing the longevity of clothes.
6. Enzymes as Textile Auxiliaries
Enzymes like Amylase or Cellulase enhance fabric colour, softness and smoothness by effectively breaking down starch-based impurities and cellulose fibrils to reduce fabric rigidity. They help in bio-polishing, stone washing and bleaching procedures for their mild, eco-friendly nature and innovative properties.
7. Auxiliaries for Sustainability
Optical Brightening Agents – The functionality of substances like Stilbene Derivatives lies in absorbing UV rays and emitting blue light, giving the fabrics a brighter and whiter optical impression.
Coating & Laminating Agents – Commonly used to give waterproofing and protective finishes to outdoor or performance gears, auxiliaries like Polyvinyl Chloride(PVC) and Polyurethane(PU) make textiles breathable.
Optical Brightening Agents – The functionality of substances like Stilbene Derivatives lies in absorbing UV rays and emitting blue light, giving the fabrics a brighter and whiter optical impression.
Coating & Laminating Agents – Commonly used to give waterproofing and protective finishes to outdoor or performance gears, auxiliaries like Polyvinyl Chloride(PVC) and Polyurethane(PU) make textiles breathable.
Sources:
https://gphisar.ac.in/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/3rd-Sem-TAC-E-Contents.pdf
https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/textile-auxiliaries-market.html